Union Volunteers Will Honor Veterans with Flags at Riverside Cemetery

UPDATE: Volunteers from the Inland Empire are stepping up to ensure that veterans buried at Riverside National Cemetery will be honored with flags this Veterans Day. In a critical turn of events, the nonprofit group Honoring Our Fallen has canceled its annual flag-placing event due to the ongoing government shutdown, but Local 951 and Local 909 union members are determined to keep the tradition alive.

On Saturday, November 8, 2023, more than 300 union carpenter volunteers will gather at the cemetery to place nearly 3,000 U.S. flags at veterans’ graves. This effort comes after the official event was scrapped, which typically sees over 270,000 flags placed at the cemetery, highlighting the stark contrast between the usual turnout and the limited number this year.

Alex Madrid, a representative for the union, emphasized the significance of this action, stating, “We have members with family buried there, and a lot of our own members are buried there. It means a lot to the organization to honor our veterans.” The union, along with Boy and Girl Scout troops and local businesses, has a long history of participating in this honorable tradition.

Officials from Honoring Our Fallen cited “significant staffing reductions” and “logistical challenges” as the reasons for the cancellation. These challenges include limited access to facilities, trash management, and traffic control. With the cemetery remaining open from sunrise to sunset during the shutdown, individuals are still encouraged to place their own flags to honor veterans.

Madrid shared that the union members purchased their own flags to ensure the graves of fallen heroes would not go unadorned. “When the government shuts down, service doesn’t stop,” a statement from Local 951 read, reinforcing the commitment to patriotism and respect for those who served.

The flags will be removed on Wednesday, November 12, 2023, marking a moment of remembrance for the community. The event underscores the importance of honoring veterans, especially during challenging times. The union’s initiative reflects a profound sense of duty, ensuring that the sacrifices of these heroes are not forgotten, even amidst a government crisis.

Authorities continue to encourage the community to participate, reminding everyone that honoring veterans is a collective responsibility. As the situation develops, the actions of these volunteers serve as a beacon of hope and respect, reminding us all of the values that bind our communities together.